Let me preface this video by saying that there’s a reason that the 2012 BMW M5 keeps getting compared to Nissan’s insanely good GT-R. First off both cars pump out similar power; the BMW, 552 hp and the GT-R, 542 hp. The BMW makes it’s power by way of a twin-turbo V8 and the GT-R a twin-turbo V6. Both cars have four usable seats and as grand touring cars they both excel above and beyond what’s expected. This is where the comparison gets a little foggy however. You see the GT-R is a knife edge performance sports car, whereby the M5 is a super saloon. They’re both amazing at what they do, however they do it in different ways. DRIVE’s Chris Harris recently jumped behind the wheel of both cars to not only give his impressions, but to go over the ins and outs of two of the world’s best automobiles.

When BMW declared that their “affordable” 1 Series M coupe would be a limited production model, we immediately knew that dealers would price gouge on any inventory that hit their showrooms. It’s the first law of capitalism: when a product has a limited supply and high demand, prices go up. I’m fine with that within reason, but sometimes dealerships take things to extremes. One southern California BMW dealer has a new 1 Series M on their showroom floor, and they’d be happy to sell it to you for the low, low price of just $94,635. Read More…

Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars. As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone. So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

It’s hard to believe that BMW’s M3 has reached 25 years in production, especially when I can say I remember the first generation E30 cars hitting the streets. First generation M3s weren’t nearly as fast as their successors, and were powered by 2.3 liter inline four engine. U.S. spec cars made 192 horsepower, and could hit sixty from a standstill in just under seven seconds. Top speed was 146 miles per hour, but the cars are renown for their handling more than their straight line speed. In fact, BMW’s primary purpose for building the M3 was to go racing in Group A Touring Car, and the E30 M3 didn’t disappoint. The E30 took the World Touring Car Championship in 1987; the European Touring Car Championship in 1987 and 1988; the British Touring Car Championship in 1988 and 1991; The Italia Superturismo Championship in 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991; the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) in 1987 and 1989 and the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1987. Throw in the car’s victories in other series, ranging from endurance racing through FIA World Rally Championship, and you begin to understand why the M3 has such a legendary presence in the automotive world.

The Chevrolet small block is no doubt one of the greatest creations in all of human history. Their reliability is legendary, you can put them in anything that came with a motor and lastly, they can make big power for not a lot of greenbacks. I found this baby over at BimmerForums.com as I was trying to find some info on the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Imagine my surprise though when I saw what may in fact be the ultimate sleeper. It seems that the owner was looking for a nice family hauler for his wife and daughter and instead of buying something new, he built her one very cool and original ride.Read More…

Man… just when I thought I was going to be able to save some money BMW has gone and taken the wraps off of its new 1 Series M Coupe. You see I’m in desperate need of a track car. I’m looking for something that I can flog mercilessly on the street and then thrash on the weekends at the race track. My Magnum SRT8 is simply too big and my old BMW E39 M5 was just too fat. This little bugger though, this little bugger may fit the bill perfectly. That front end is wicked aggressive and that short stubby wheelbase means that this car should have the flick-ability of a go-kart. With power from its twin-turbo 6-cylinder said to be in the 340 hp range, the 1 Series M Coupe should also have more than enough grunt to roll with the big dogs on the track. I’m really diggin’ this thing, now I just have to see if it’s going to be released before track season starts.

For me, the 1980’s conjure up visions of cars like the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche 959. These were the super cars of the day and ones that I always hoped I would have a chance to drive. Most of them were outstanding performers by 1980’s standards, and have thus far, stood the test of time. There were however a select group of exotics built during the 1980’s that for one reason or another, never really caught on with the buying public. Maybe it had to do with spotty build quality, an exceedingly high price tag or the fact that they were underachievers. Whatever the reason though some of these big dollar cars simply didn’t make it and because of that, they sit below as part of this list.Read More…

UGH!! Damn those Europeans are some lucky bastards… Here we see Chris Harris of Evo getting the first taste of what the BMW 1 Series M coupe is all about. Before he gets behind the wheel though he points out some attributes that every M car must possess before it gets that coveted badge. He mentions things like the tachometer, gear lever, seats and exhaust, things that, as a former “M” car owner, I wholeheartedly agree with. From a performance standpoint the engine note, throttle response and overall ride quality also come into play. You see M cars need to be as refined as any BMW on the road, but yet have an increased sense of performance. The issue is the balancing act that BMW must go through in order to accomplish this. Since this was a prototype car there was still some work to be done, but according to Harris, the new BMW 1 Series M is something that if priced correctly, will make BMW enthusiasts howl. Read More…

Ever own a car that you wished had more power? I know I have. Generally the cure for a situation such as this is simple. You can either bolt on a turbo or supercharger, add some heads or an exhaust, maybe a big bottle of nitrous, or simply sell the old bag of bolts and buy something new. There are however those chosen few petrol heads that choose to think outside the box, and go buck wild by simply shoehorning an engine that’s bigger and better between the frame rails. Sometimes it works out great, other times the cars just turn into a Frankenstein mess. Either way though you have to respect the heart, soul and labor that’s put into these projects because 9 times out of 10, they turn out to be pretty darn cool.Read More…

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